The approaches to the assessment of the world countries readiness to transition to economy of knowledge are analyzed. Influence of higher education on formation of the human capital of the state and regional levels is described. The key activities of high schools aimed at creating necessary conditions for the human capital formation and preventing of its losses at the state and regional levels are studied. The innovative character of higher education development is stressed. The equal access to the education is considered as improvement of human capital of the state and the regions. The continuous education is a way to create the human capital in different age groups. The quality of the education is determined as basis of profitable investments in human capital. The features of staff quality improvement and its connection with the results of research activity are studied. The realization of the State program of integration of science and education at universities for 2008-2012 'Science at universities' is analysed.